The 2026 New York Yankees pitching staff is a force to be reckoned with. In just 30 games, the Yankees have a team ERA of 3.11, a 1.11 WHIP, 262 strikeouts, and an opponent batting average of .222.
With that being said, two key pieces to their starting rotation have yet to see the mound in 2026. Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are both making their rehab starts, and are expected back around May or June.
On April 26, the Yankees made a big change to their starting rotation. Right-handed pitcher Lucas Gil, was optioned to Triple-A. In four games started, Gil had a 6.05 ERA, by far, the worst ERA amongst their starting pitchers.
Gil’s trip to Scranton left the door open for right-handed pitcher and No. 3 prospect Elmer Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 22, will make his MLB debut against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, April 28, at 2:35 P.M. EST.
Getty
Elmer Rodriguez Shares Heartfelt Reaction to Making His MLB Debut
On Wednesday morning, the New York Yankees shared the moment 22-year-old Elmer Rodriguez found out he was getting called up. Rodriguez expressed his excitement through tears.
New York post and Yankees beat writer Greg Joyce wrote about Rodriguez’s heartfelt reaction to hearing the news.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid,” Rodríguez said Tuesday at Globe Life Field. “Obviously getting the chance to debut, especially in a Yankee uniform, is something I’ve always dreamed of. Happy to be here.”
During his time in the Yankees organization, Rodriguez has cemented himself as a top minor league pitcher. From the start of 2025 through Monday, he ranks third in strikeouts (196), and fourth in ERA (2.42) amongst pitchers who have thrown at least 130 innings. Rodriguez also played for team Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic this spring.
I’m pretty confident,” Rodríguez said. “I’m pretty poised on the mound. I try to control the game, at my own pace, and go out there and attack.” “I feel like I’ve been attacking guys every single pitch. Feel confident throwing any single pitch in any single count. Being more in the zone has helped me get better results.”
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, discussed the 22-year-old’s opportunity, claiming he earned it.
“He’s earned that opportunity,” Boone said. “He’s got a good arsenal that can get you a lot of ways. Good movement on his fastball, both two and four-seam. Spins the ball well, athletic. He’s just polished, moves well on the mound, good stuff, but some pitch-ability, too.”
Getty
Yankees Starting Lineup Vs. Rangers In Elmer Rodriguez’s Debut
Elmer Rodriguez will be taking the mound for the first time on the professional stage against the Texas Rangers in Arlington.
Yankees lineup:
- Trent Grisham (L) CF
- Ben Rice (L) 1B
- Aaron Judge (R) DH
- Cody Bellinger (L) RF
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 2B
- Jasson Domínguez (S) LF
- J.C. Escarra (L) C
- Ryan McMahon (L) 3B
- José Caballero (R) SS
Rangers lineup:
- Brandon Nimmo (L) RF
- Josh Jung (R) 3B
- Corey Seager (L) SS
- Joc Pederson (L) DH
- Jake Burger (R) 1B
- Evan Carter (L) CF
- Kyle Higashioka (R) C
- Alejandro Osuna (L) LF
- Ezequiel Duran (R) 2B
Starting pitcher: Nathan Eovaldi RHP
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Yankees’ Top Prospect Reacts To Making His MLB Debut Ahead Of Rangers Game appeared first on HEAVY.